Linzi was born in Marsdon Green Birmingham on 23rd October 1970. However from aged two Linzi moved with her parents and brother Jeff to a Staffordshire Village close to Tamworth and Lichfield.Linzi had a very happy childhood attending the local primary and later secondary school. Although never a scholar, Linzi enjoyed school and excelled in sport. Linzi as a child was a very active member of local dancing school taking part in competitions,festivals and amateur shows for which she won many medals and trophies for her dancing skills.It was also evident from a very young age what a powerful voice she possessed and she was often found using a spoon as microphone whilst singing to her grandparents records.
Linzi aged 10 auditioned for a role in the film version of the Musical Annie. This involved the whole family traveling down to London for the first time.Although re-called several times and screen tested for the leading role she was not eventually chosen to appear in the film. Linzi's interest in the musical was aroused from this experience so her parents as a birthday treat took her to see the Stage version of the show at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. Linzi decided that this was for her and auditioned at the next available oppertunity. Again fate was not on her side as the show was nearing the end of its run and only required local children so Linzi missed out on her West End debut aged 10. Linzi was offered the role of Duffy and later Pepper when it opened later at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
From this point on it was clear that Linzi's aim was a career in theatre.
Aged 14 Linzi attended the Italia Conti Academy in London for three years. Whilst there aged just 17 she was offered the title role in the RSC production of the musical "Carrie". The show opened in Stratford upon Avon before transferring to Broadway. Despite the show not being a complete success Linzi received great critical acclaim and was presented with the Theatre World Award - for best newcomer. The show even now generates much interest especially in America.
On returning to England Cameron Mackintosh offered Linzi the role of Eponine in the musical " Les Miserables" were she spent the next two years. During this time Linzi also featured in the video "Stage by Stage" the making of Les Miserables.
Linzi next went on to play the Kola Kola Bird in another Cameron Mackintosh production entitled "Just So" at the Tricycle Theatre Kilburn. This musical was based around the Rudyard Kipling "Just So" stories.
Next Linzi was chosen to play the "Narrator" in the hit musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the London Palladium. The production ran for two and a half years during which Linzi was nominated for a Laurence Olivier award for "Best actress in a Musical". Also receiving Gold and Platinum Discs for the Palladium Cast recording.
Linzi has gone on to have a varied career starring in many productions on and off the West End.
After Joseph, Linzi appeared along side Jessica Martin in the John Godber / Jane Thornton rewritten musical "Shakers", initially a Hull Truck Company play, this musical ran at the Nottingham Playhouse Theatre. Despite rumors of a West End transfer this sadly did not take place.
Linzi went on to play the title role in "Little Voice", at the Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke opposite Millicent Martin and Tony Selby. Linzi gained rave reviews for her ability to so accurately capture the excellent singing voices of stars such as Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe.
Back in the West End Linzi Starred as Rizzo in the Hit Musical "Grease" which had a long run at the Dominion Theatre. Linzi's other cast members in this production included Shane Richie, Samantha Janus, Richard Calkin, Adam Garcia and Ben Richards.
Again in the West End, Linzi starred in a concert version of Stephen Sondhiem's legendary "Anyone Can Whistle" at the Savoy Theatre. Once again Linzi received much critical acclaim for her portrayal of Nurse Fay Apple.
Linzi next West End venture was "Romance Romance" a two musical play which ran for a short time at the Gielgud Theatre. It also starred Caroline O'Conner, Michael Cantwell and Mark Adams.
The Chichester Festival Theatre was next for Sandy Wilsons 1997 sequel to the "Boyfriend","Divorce me Darling". The show had an all star cast including Ruthie Henshall, Tim Flavin, Marti Webb, Lilliane Montevecchi, Joan Savage and Rosemarie Ford.
Linzi has had a close association with the Leicester Haymarket Theatre performing in many productions during the late 1990's/early 2000's. These included "Into the Woods" playing Little Red Riding Hood. "The Rink" playing Angel opposite Katherine Evans. Linzi also appeared in "Oliver" playing Nancy and "On Your Toes" opposite Adam Cooper. This production later transferred to the West End however Linzi was contracted to play Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre London so was unable to reprise her role.
Linzi returned to Stratford in Autumn 2000 where her career began this time in "The Secret Garden". In this production Linzi played Martha the Maid opposite Phillip Quast, Dilys Lane, Craig Purnell and Meredith Braun. This production Transferred to the West End with its first performance at the Aldwich Theatre on 17th Febuary 2001.
Off the West End, Linzi starred in a couple of productions at the Bridewell Theatre. The first was a celebration of the work of Stephen Sondheim called "Moving On". This review also starred Belinda Lang. Next Linzi appeared in a one woman show called "Love Songs".
Linzi returned to the West end to star as Roxie Hart in the hit Musical "Chicago". Linzi has played the role of Roxie three times to date receiving great acclaim for her role both at the Adelphi and Cambridge Theatre's. Linzi has starred along side Ruthie Henshall, Darius, Zee Asha, Norman Pace, Tiffany Graves,
Bristol was the place chosen to try out the Cameron Mackintosh new musical "Mary Poppins" Linzi played the role of Mrs Banks opposite David Haige as Mr Banks. (This role earned her a nomination for a Whats On Stage Theatregoers Choice Award 2006 for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical). Other Cast Members included Laura Michelle Kelly, Gavin Lee, Jenny Galloway and Rosie Ashe. This production Transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre London.
Linzi also appeared in the films "Julie and the Cadillacs" which was released in August 1999 and the Hallmark Channel (2004) Musical Film Version of " A Christmas Carol" as Mrs Cratchit (Tiny Tims Mum).
Linzi has recorded three CD's
Linzi also features on the following soundtracks
